ECCAS meeting, June 2025

Finalization of the ECCAS Regional Rice Strategy: A Turning Point in Libreville, Gabon

Following the the Yaoundé workshop held in February 2025, the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS/CEEAC) organized a second regional workshop from June 9 to 12, 2025, in Libreville. This session focused on the technical finalization of the Regional Rice Development Strategy (SRDR). The event marked a key milestone toward submitting a joint strategic document for a more sovereign, sustainable, and integrated rice sector in Central Africa.

A Collaborative Workshop Addressing Regional Challenges

The workshop brought together representatives from eight ECCAS member states (Angola, Cameroon, Gabon, Equatorial Guinea, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Republic of Congo, Chad, and Central African Republic), along with experts from CARD and ECCAS, and key technical and financial partners (FAO, JICA, CORAF, and AfricaRice). Although the IRRI and Burundi delegations were absent due to administrative reasons—and Rwanda was not represented as it has left ECCAS—the exchanges took place in a constructive and productive atmosphere.

The methodological approach was participatory, involving plenary sessions, thematic working groups, and bilateral discussions. A preliminary version of the strategy, prepared by CARD, served as the basis for participants’ contributions. These focused on refining strategic priorities, implementation mechanisms, governance, financing, and monitoring and evaluation systems.

The workshop was co-funded by FAO and CARD.

Key Institutional Highlights

The opening ceremony featured strong messages from representatives of ECAAS, the Gabonese Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock, JICA, and CARD. All called for collective action to reduce food dependency by leveraging the region’s agricultural potential. The speakers emphasized the need for an inclusive strategy that prioritizes climate resilience, local processing, and the empowerment of youth and women.

Major Outcomes of the Workshop

The Libreville workshop led to several important achievements:

Confirmation of the structure of the strategic document.
Enhanced content and improved clarity of data presentation.
Validation of high-potential rice production zones.
Proposal of regional indicators for harmonized monitoring.
Initial drafts of operational plans.
Agreement on a clear timeline for finalizing the strategy.

A Strategy Ready for Adoption

The workshop also resulted in a well-defined roadmap. By the end of August 2025, a consolidated version of the RRDS will be submitted to ECCAS for institutional adoption. A final validation workshop, organized by ECCAS, will bring together stakeholders prior to the official implementation of the strategy.

A Collective Commitment to the Future

The collaborative spirit seen in Libreville reflects a strong regional commitment to advancing toward a modern, competitive, and sustainable rice sector. Thanks to the active engagement of member states and their partners, the SRDR is becoming a strategic tool to strengthen food sovereignty in Central Africa.

Short video/YouTube of the above ECCAS meeting (in French)